What people are saying about SOUL OF THE WEST
He’s making some of the best western music I think I’ve ever heard. That someone from Hampshire is doing this so well is incredible. Many try, but few pull it off with such aplomb, and it can only be through a truly deep understanding and love of the sub-genre that he can be this impressive. You’d
have to go back to the very best of Marty Robbins to find anything as good as this. I think Clint Bradley has just done the equivalent of delivering a container-load of Colt 45’s to Dodge City. He’s also helping to put the western back in country.
Duncan Warwick –★★★★★- Country Music People – February 2019
The word ‘homage’ doesn’t do justice to Clint Bradley’s nail-on-head salute to the American west.
From his vocal delivery to his country dickie bow, the New Forest-based songwriter patently has the scene under his finger nails – The title track is a beautifully crooned ballad, while “Justice for George” is a glowering storm cloud telling of a widowed pensioner jailed for defending his home. This stand out songwriter deserves every success.
Henry Yates – Country Music – March 2019
Many wandering cowpokes have approached western songs with their tongues firmly in their cheek but Clint has created a collection of songs that are stripped of corniness. Ballads like The Promise and Justice for George tread lightly but pack an emotional wallop alongside the cinematic soundscapes of The Lightning Ride and Liberty Wind. There’s also the opportunity to kick up some dust with the barn-shaking stroller Lone Lonesome Moon. With a tip of the hat to Marty Robbins gunfighter
ballads, Soul of the West is country music in its purist form.
Craig Brackenridge –★★★★★ – Vintage Rock – May 2019
What western music needs are modern champions and right now, Clint Bradley is one of the most interesting to ride the range in years. A man who giants like Gene Autry, Bob Nolan and Marty Robbins could nod to as one of their own. The western touches on Riding After Midnight and now his new 10-Tracker, Soul of the West, his fullest, most successful exploration of the genre yet, are so sure footed it’s no surprise the love of it has been ingrained since childhood. This is an album that needs to be heard.
Jack Watkins – Country Music People – February 2019
If there’s any justice, Clint Bradley’s delightful new album of sweet western music – the sort that conjures up images of Marty Robbins, The Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Aurty and Tex Ritter etc. – should be heard on every radio station in the land – not just on the country shows. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the ten – song set is that every one is an original composition by Clint. We’ve got gunslinger ballads that would not be out of place on a Robbins album, and also – most surprisingly – a really moving observation of modern times with the story of a householder who encounters three burglars, shoots one of them and is promptly arrested for murder. Make sure you pester your local radio station to give it an airing.
David Allan – Country Music People – February 2019
There are lots of well-crafted albums around, but there’s a difference here because Clint seems to ‘live’ the subject matter, as if he transports himself to that different time and tells us how it actually was, not how he thinks it might have been. Close your eyes see the wide prairie, the distant mountains and the bruising sun, that’s the vista that Clint is riding into and he portrays it so convincingly. This album is not only a triumph in its own right, but it makes, but it makes Riding After Midnight a more rewarding listen too. So saddle up and ride to the record store for this gem.
Johnny Hop – UK Rock & Roll – March 2019
As those who have eagerly awaited the arrival of Clint Bradley’s follow up release had hoped “Soul of the West” does indeed feature the fine arrangements of the first album and more of those familiar styles done very well. As a performer there are certainly nods to Mary Robbins and occasionally Frankie Lane. But Clint Bradley is his own artist, and his increasing legions of fans on both sides of The Pond get that and appreciate his genuine fervour for western. This Brit will do well to ride the ocean with! Recommended.
Rick Huff – The Western Way – spring 2019
This is Clint Bradley’s second foray into western music, following on from ‘Riding After Midnight’ (2014) which was very highly acclaimed. The CD consists entirely of original compositions which reflect his lifelong passion for the genre. The excellent Clint Bradley band does not include an electric guitar. There are acoustic guitars (including Clint’s), double bass and drums, the basic line-up being augmented by harmonica, mandolin, Dobro and French horn here and there. Everyone involved in this fine collection should take a bow.
Harry Dodds – Now Dig This – February 2019
What people are saying about CLINT BRADLEY & RIDING AFTER MIDNIGHT
If I only had to pick one album of the year – This would be it!
This is a set of really classy western music, performed with obvious affection and great style by Clint who is supported by quite superb acoustic backings. Yes I’m getting quite carried away by this one – and why not? I enjoyed every minute, swept away on a tide of relaxing harmonies and beautifully crafted material. A trillion miles away from the current Nashville offerings.
Critics’ choice 2015
David Allan – Country Music People magazine
This fine artist has done something he has always wanted to do, a western type album that works a treat! Clint is a fine singer, and with a stripped down and very acoustic guitar sounding backing he has poured his heart and soul into a style of music he has always wanted to record. The album starts with a bright western type song that the great Marty Robbins could well have recorded, except in this case, and several other times on this fine album Clint wrote it! This album is truly outstanding! I hope it gets the wide acclaim in thoroughly deserves.
David Brassington UK
Maverick magazine *****
“Man Walks Among Us”. The sheer beauty of his rendition is haunting; this song alone should be enough to get you to pick up a copy of this release. It’s just that good! It takes a really gifted singer to do those types of song justice… and luckily for all involved, artist and listener both, Clint Bradley is that quality of singer! I was thrilled to find that it’s an all-acoustic record. Acoustic guitar, upright bass, dobro, that sort of sound. It’s a tricky ordeal to record like that and make it sound fresh and new… but Clint and his merry band of minstrels have done just that! When you hear “A Fine Horse”, you’ll swear it must be a long-lost cowboy classic. You’d be wrong. It’s a Bradley-penned classic-to-be! Then he takes on “Call of the far Away Hills” and just knocks it out of the park! This man’s voice was made for songs like this. If you enjoy the western side of C&W, this disc is for you! Even if it’s not your usual cup O tea, I’ll suggest it for your collection. It’s just a great record!
Memphis Mike USA
Black Cat Europe *****
England’s Clint Bradley rides in with a wonderfully retro Western release! It’s a sound not often produced in this country any more: the BIG Cowboy effect of Stuart Hamblen, Frankie Laine and Marty Robbins. Bradley’s voice intones Dean Martin, Elvis and Marty Robbins, but there are hints that he may possess a greater octave range than any of them. He can drive as powerfully as Frankie Laine ever did. His CD of original songs and covers is done in loving tribute.
Rest assured our Western genre is represented well by this “Great Brit!”
Rick Huff USA
Best of the west
The Western Way
With “Riding After Midnight”, Clint Bradley has tapped into the psyche of anyone who has been a fan of western music since the days of Marty Robbins. Songs like “Doggone Cowboy” and “Man Walks Among Us” take us back in memory to those days when Marty did it like no one else. In fact, Marty was such an original; it’s been very difficult for anyone to sing his songs without sounding a lot like him. No such problem with Clint Bradley. His own style holds true while doing those songs and other western classics – like “My Rifle, My Pony, and Me” and “Call of the Faraway Hills.” Clint’s original tunes on the album demonstrate what a fine western songwriter he is in his own right. “We Are Shane” is a special gift to all western music lovers. Hopefully this is only the beginning of lots of great new western songs and classics to come to us from across the Atlantic.
Marvin O’Dell USA
Around the Campfire
Defenders of Freedom Radio
KKRN, Redding, CA
Earsradio.com
WMA DJ of the Year, 2007 & 2012
When I first heard Clint Bradley’s new CD, “Riding after Midnight”, I was struck by his voice, a little like Dean Martin, a little like Marty Robbins and a touch of Frankie Laine. But his voice isn’t an imitation of any of them. It’s 100% Clint Bradley’s, and it’s VERY enjoyable! I was also impressed with the great sounds created by his band and how well they work with Clint. I started programming the CD on my show immediately!”
O.J. Sikes USA
Presenter of Western music time
It is no wonder that Clint Bradley is admired in Finland. ‘Riding After Midnight’ reveals a passionate mix of vintage ballads and jams hybrid and dynamic. Bradley’s sense of style never fails at any point. The man wraps the expression velvety embrace.
Juha Seitz Finland
LKKA.fi
The opening cut ‘Riding after midnight’ sets the tone, plaintive guitar and a vocal delivery so convincing that you could almost believe the story Clint weaves. Even more gentle is the beautiful ‘ My Rifle, My pony and Me’ The simple, clear production of the CD shows through on the next cut ’A Fine Horse’ as individual strings on the acoustic guitar can be heard and add depth to another song of longing for a time and a place Clint knows he was born too late for. This recording has class running right through it. Most of the music reviewed in these pages is high tempo stuff, but this more considered style is a breath of fresh air and clearly produced from the heart. Open your mind, open you ears, and open your wallet. This CD is a must!
Johnny Hop UK
UK Rock n Roll magazine
I am eager to introduce you to CLINT BRADLEY and hope that you will enjoy him as much as I do. Take a listen. His voice is fresh; his music captures his dreams of the West with passion and pure joy.
Come West with Clint Bradley, ride with him after midnight and down to Grafton’s, sail with him over the sea, give praise for six strings, and journey into the heart of this dreamer. What a ride!
Bobbi Jean Bell USA
Purveyor of Music – OutWest – www.scvoutwest.com
Host – SCVTV Presents The OutWest Concert Series
Western Music Association California Chapter, Vice President
Clint Bradley’s new album “Riding after midnight” is a breath of fresh air!
Sam Harris – UK
CVFM Country Radio
I am very impressed with “Riding after midnight”. I like Clint’s voice and admire the fact that he has written some great songs. The vocals are kept to the fore whilst providing a backing that is both traditional and contemporary. The steel is subtle but very effective and adds a unique edge.
All in all this is a very professionally recorded and presented album. Congratulations! I will definitely be scheduling tracks for my shows.
PAUL HAZELL UK
Presenter: “Paul Hazell’s World of Country” on Uckfield FM
Country Music Writer and Broadcaster
Clint is an accomplished songwriter and the 6 other originals are no less impressive. The nimble little ‘Riding after midnight’ came from a dream after watching Jon Fords ‘The Searchers’ Whilst the lilting ‘A Fine Horse’ on which he displays a fine falsetto was inspired by the 90’s mini-series ‘Lonesome Dove’ The pacey Robbins tribute ‘Wish I’d been there’ mentions Marty’s ‘Big Iron’ and ‘Running Gun’ in the lyrics.
A superb effort and highly recommended.
Harry Dodds
Now Dig This UK
On “This Hour”
“I had never heard of Clint Bradley before I got this release. According to the information supplied he comes from the New Forest area and is a singer / songwriter who has worked extensively here and in America … but is he country? Yes and no, but one thing is certain Clint is not only a quality singer / songwriter but also an equally good musician and producer.
From the opening “Guilty Heart” ballad as soon as I heard the instrumental work and Clint’s voice I knew this was going to be My Album Of The Month … incidentally The Blockheads, of Ian Dury fame, are the musicians used.
Barbed Wire Round The Meadow moves up-tempo and has very british lyrics set to a kind of “The Devil Went To Georgia” feel. It’s back to ballads again for “Love Is To Blame” and “When Will I Learn” and these allow Bradley to use the full range of his singing voice and prove he is a first class vocalist … I think both songs are very commercial and should be aimed at MOR radio shows.
I understand that these 11 songs are just a fraction of a very large repertoire … this is definitely one artist I want to see live and hear more of.”
Ian McQueen
Country Music News & Routes – July 1997
“The production enhances the romantic, longing mood of Alright Mary, as Bradley turns in a fine vocal performance. Forever Forever is a slowly building dramatic song that builds to a spine tingling climax, while Purple Land begins with the hush of a delicate guitar and slowly lifts to a country-rock roar.
His lyrics are sensitive enough to please and directed in such a way that they aren’t depressing, touching without hurting, which is instrumental for the creation of the moods in his writing. Bradley’s voice is inviting and accessible, melding with the sophisticated pop melodies and never resorting to dramatics that could overpower the well-stated messages in the lyrics.
Adrian Cooke
“The debut-album of Clint[on] Bradley introduces the Englishman as a blend of Roy Orbison and Chris Isaak with plenty of convincing songs.
It is one of the basics in rock-music, that a formerly successful style or sound will come back periodically. This happens presently with Britpop, which is nothing else but a modernized style of beat-music, and also with trance, which recycles the electronic music of the ’70s. But only very seldom a singer appears like a rebirth of another one – moreover if he writes songs in the same quality of the original. That is exactly what Clint Bradley proves with his debut This Hour on which he sounds like a young Roy Orbison. The songs, the voice and the entire musical surrounding fit exactly into that scheme, and more than that he wrote songs R.O. would have been proud of.
Considering that this whole thing happens in the 90s, it might seem to be anachronistical. On the other hand, the Big O himself celebrated a great comeback shortly before the passed away and Chris Isaak boosted the charts in the 90s with a slightly modified sound. So it’s the quality which counts, and in this respect Clint Bradley is fantastic. Not only because he wrote the songs all by himself, but because he created such a big variety to avoid the image of a simple copy. His love hurts-sound actually attracts the listener, but there are also up-tempo tracks he arranged perfectly. In addition to that he and his co-producer Chris Bostock preferred arrangements with a guitar-based band referring to the rock’n’roll-era. This not only features the voice of Bradley, it simply demands for it.”
Rough Translation of Clint Bradley “Record Of The Month” in Oldie-Markt, Germany’s monthly magazine for record collectors:
“The most convincing epigone since long: Clint Bradley names as musical influences Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Roy Orbison, but also Paul Weller, Billy Bragg, Christy Moore and Shane McGowen. Sounds dangerous yet works. Those eleven songs on his debut album This Hour (ARIS) do not deny their prototypes; Bradley, introducing himself as an English Country-boy, sings like a rebirth of Roy Orbison; Marty Robbins meets Billy Bragg; Country and Folk merge into an ideal combination. Also surprising: the Blockheads as side-band, once working with Ian Dury.
From “Rolling Stone” (Germany)
July, 1997 p.87